[arbiter76]

Anyone care to do a comparison?

Topping G5 vs Fiio Q15 vs iDSD final

I only own the G5 but the Q15 should be considered if you really want some playback buttons, and the screen along with hw EQ, or even the desktop mode. but if you want to save some bucks the G5 is very barebones but so damn good for what it is. I'm sure some people would pay the $400 if the G5 had a feature set similar to the Q15.

I'd skip the iDSD Finale unless you need the 4W of portable power which is almost a waste for portable use because I doubt very few people are going beyond their listening room or house to power headphones that would take full advantage of 2-4W of power. maybe if you're curious about iFi and BurrBrown implementation or the limited edition nature of the Finale but you could get a G5 AND an iFi desktop setup for $500.

 

[Tomm11]

The Q15 should be a very good value at $400. $100 more than G5 but more features. Plus, AKM's flagship chips and looks like plenty of power on tap. I don't believe it uses THX amplification which is personally why I'm a bit interested even though I'm not really looking for any new gear. And both balanced PO and LO which is important to a good number of people.

 

[JeanPaul Petrosyan]

Teh contraption.

 

[Tomm11]

Teh contraption.

For shielding?

 

[JeanPaul Petrosyan]

For shielding?

Yep)

 

[EJEC]

Considering resolution, it is on the top among this price range. Clear tr sound. I cannot believe its used price is around 200$. Popping electromagnetic noise problem from nx7 was not fixed at all. Do you want the cheap and resolving portable dac/amp? Do not hesitate. Just but this.